Special Use Permit Information

Host your own event at one of our parks with a Special Use Permit!

Thank you for your interest in hosting a Special Use event at Gateway Park. All available Special Use Permits for 2025 have been granted.

The Special Use permit application is currently being updated and is expected to be available for 2026 requests by July 15, 2025.  Applications will be accepted up to 12 months in advance of the requested event date. Submitting an application does not guarantee permit approval, and requested dates are not officially reserved until a Special Use Agreement has been signed by both the permittee and by Key Pen Parks. 

Permit Application Update in Progress

Special Use Permits are unavailable from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day Weekend.

APPLICATION PROCESS

1. Special Use Permit Application must be submitted at least 90 calendar days prior to your requested date. 
2. Applications must include a detailed Site Map of your event and activities.
3. A Certificate of Liability insurance with endorsements covering the date(s) of your event will be required. 
4. Alcohol is strictly prohibited unless explicitly approved and included in your Special Use Agreement. See alcohol policy.
5. A pre-event walk through of the property with Event Host and Key Pen Parks representative may be required.
6. Once your permit request and event details are approved and agreed upon, Key Pen Parks will send you a contract.
7. All rental fees and required documents will be due at least 10 days in advance of the event date.
8. Event Host is solely responsible for determining what permits are legally required and obtaining required permits.
9. Food vendors must secure a temporary food permit through Tacoma Pierce County Health Department to serve or sell food during an advertised, public event. Contact TPCHD for more information: 253-649-1703, [email protected],  https://tpchd.org/healthy-places/food-safety/temporary-events/)​​

Loss & Damage

Event Hosts will be responsible for any loss or damage to Key Pen Parks property as a result of their Special Use event. Additional fees may be leveraged for post-event conditions such as:

• Lost or damaged equipment
• Any park area requiring additional cleaning
• Parking lot clean up
• Vandalism

Park Rules

All Key Pen Parks rules apply during Special Use Events. Additional rules for Special Use Events include:

• All Key Pen Parks are open to the public.  Special Use Activity Permits do not guarantee exclusive, private use.
• Event participants are required to obey all Park Rules, Washington State RCW’s, and traffic laws.
• Event activities must stay within designated Special Use area as defined on the pre-approved site plan – no exceptions.
• Driving on trails, fields, playgrounds or sidewalks is strictly prohibited. Event equipment must be walked into these areas unless advance approval for motorized access is included in your Special Use Agreement.
• The sale, distribution and consumption of alcohol is strictly prohibited unless explicitly approved in your Special Use Agreement. See Alcohol Policy.
• Overnight camping is prohibited unless explicitly approved in your Special Use Agreement.
• Park property must be left in the condition in which it was found.
• Smoking, vaping, and street drugs/intoxicants are prohibited.
• All tables, chairs, tents and any other equipment must be removed at the end of the event.
• All garbage must be contained and removed from the park following events.
• No generators larger than 3,500 watts.​​
• No open flame campfires or grills.
• Altering, damaging, or removing vegetation, park property, or park facilities is prohibited.
• Loud noises (115 decibels or higher), between 10:00 p.m. and 6:30 a.m are prohibited.
• Disrobing in public or nudity is prohibited.

Map of Gateway Park

Map of 360 Trails

Map of Volunteer Park